Cabo Frio is a coastal city in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, known for its pristine beaches and colonial history. Its most famous stretch of sand, Praia do Forte, is lined with soft white dunes and overlooked by the 17th-century São Mateus Fort, a remnant of the region’s Portuguese past. The city is also home to a thriving seafood scene and lively markets, where you can find locally made lace and handicrafts. Unlike its more glamorous neighbor, Búzios, Cabo Frio offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing plenty of activities, from surfing to boat tours. If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, natural beauty, and a laid-back vibe, Cabo Frio is worth a visit.
We visited Cabo Frio on a day trip during our month-long stay in Arraial do Cabo, the third main holiday hotspot in Rio’s Lake Region—also known as the Brazilian Caribbean. In this post, I share our day-trip itinerary, along with photos, a video, and tips to inspire your visit to Cabo Frio, whether for a day or a longer stay.
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Where to Stay in Cabo Frio
Here are some lodging recommendations if you plan to stay in Cabo Frio for more than a day.
- Budget: Pousada Laguna – A beachfront guesthouse with a pool, free breakfast, and a laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for budget travelers looking to stay close to the sand. Prices typically range from R$160–R$250 per night.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Real – A well-rated hotel near Praia do Forte, offering modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and breakfast included. Prices generally fall between R$350–R$500 per night.
- Luxury: Hotel Solar do Arco – A boutique hotel set in a historic mansion by the canal, featuring an elegant atmosphere, an outdoor pool, and personalized service. Expect rates around R$800–R$1,200 per night.
Explore more options in Cabo Frio and beyond on the map below.
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How to Get to Cabo Frio from Arraial, Búzios, or Rio
Cabo Frio is about 15 km from Arraial do Cabo, with frequent local buses running between the two. You can also take a shared taxi. While we were waiting at the bus station, a driver pulled over, shouting “Cabo Frio!”—it turned out to be even cheaper than the bus, costing 3.5 reais per person compared to the bus fare of 3.7. Similarly, getting to Cabo Frio from Búzios is just as easy and affordable.
If you’re coming from Rio, you’ll need to take a long-distance bus from the city’s main terminal, operated by 1001. You can book tickets here without a CPF. However, if you’re planning a day trip to Cabo Frio from Rio, joining a tour like this one might be the better option.
Our Day-Trip Itinerary
Mister Pirate-Taxi Man dropped us off in the city center. It was still early morning, so we spent most of the day exploring before catching the bus home at dusk. Here are some of the most notable sights we visited.
Convento de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Church
Built on the foot of Morro da Guia Hill, the Convento de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos is a historic church and convent in Cabo Frio, Brazil, dating back to the 17th century. Originally built by Franciscan monks, the structure is a prime example of colonial architecture, with its simple white facade and baroque interior details. The convent also houses the Museum of Religious and Traditional Art, which displays sacred art and artifacts from the region’s colonial past. (location)
Morro da Guia Viewpoint
Morro da Guia Viewpoint is one of the best spots for a panoramic view of Cabo Frio, offering a sweeping look at the city, its beaches, the canal, and the surrounding lagoons. The path to the top starts beside the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos. The hike is easy and takes about 5 minutes. Atop the hill stands the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia, a charming 18th-century structure that adds a historical touch to the visit. (location)
Itajuru Canal Promenade
The Itajuru Canal Promenade in Cabo Frio is a lively waterfront area where the city’s maritime heritage comes to life. Lined with fishing boats and local fishermen at work, the promenade reflects the deep connection between Cabo Frio and the sea. Bronze statues scattered along the walkway depict fishermen and other maritime figures, adding a cultural and artistic touch to the setting. The ground itself is decorated with fish-themed mosaics. (location)
Along the promenade, we stopped for coffee and cake at this cozy café with a shaded outdoor space—a perfect spot to cool down and enjoy the serene view of the canal.
Passagem Neighborhood
The Passagem Neighborhood is Cabo Frio’s oldest and most charming district, filled with colonial-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and a laid-back waterfront vibe. Once the heart of the city during the Portuguese colonial period, it retains its historic charm with well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings, many of which have been transformed into restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels. (location)
Skipping the pricier seafood restaurants in the area, we opted for lunch at this self-service buffet.
São Mateus Fort
São Mateus Fort is a 17th-century military fortification in Cabo Frio, built by the Portuguese to defend the region from foreign invasions and pirate attacks. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Praia do Forte, it offers stunning views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The fort’s whitewashed walls, original cannons, and simple colonial design provide a glimpse into Brazil’s colonial past. (location)
Boca da Barra Viewpoint
Located at the tip of the Cabo Frio promontory, beside São Mateus Fort, Boca da Barra is a stunning spot where the ocean meets the Itajuru Lagoon, offering panoramic views of Ilha do Japonês and the surrounding waters. In the yacht-studded, crystal-clear shallows of the lagoon, we spotted sea turtles gliding just below the surface. Herons perched on the rocky shores, while vultures soared overhead. (location)
Praia do Forte Beach
We then went for a swim at Praia do Forte, Cabo Frio’s most famous beach. Stretching over 7.5 km, this vast expanse of fine white sand and turquoise water is the city’s main attraction, drawing both locals and tourists year-round. Above us, paragliders drifted effortlessly, while jet skis zipped across the waves, adding to the lively atmosphere. (location)
We settled at the north end of the beach, on the shaded rocks below São Mateus Fort—the only free shade along the shore. The spot was a popular hangout, especially for groups of young people drinking, smoking weed, and cliff-jumping from the rocks behind the fort. The sea was also at its calmest there, making it the perfect place to cool off.
Finally, we took a leisurely stroll along the beach promenade toward the city center. The closer we got, the livelier it became—restaurants and bars spilled onto the bustling avenue, packed with people winding down after a day in the sun. Further along, a massive stage was set up right on the sand, gearing up for a Sunday concert, with music already drifting through the air.
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Cabo Frio in higher resolution.
